camping

hiking

lake

There might be some confusion--we went to the location provided and there were no paved trails to accommodate a stroller. The address given here takes you to a boat ramp. If you follow to the next driveway, it's a parking lot for day use only, no overnight parking or camping.

The trails are nice, through a beautiful wooded area by the lake. There is access to a nice spot on the shore with picnic benches.

I give it a one star because as far as hiking goes, there really isnt anything to talk about. However, this is an excellent walking trail. If you have small kids, or dogs, or strollers, this may be the easy trail for you. The green creek/dry branch campgroung closed and is now a day use only area. The roads are paved making it a popular destination for local walkers. Blue Ridge lake surrounds the area and I must say it is a beautiful and peaceful walk. The singletrack portion of the trail is located on the opposite end of the parking area. The trail is short and easy. It is not maintained except by volunteers which is few and far between. Downed trees and brush are common and can remain on the trail for a long time. I run this trail frequently in the winter months but steer clear in the summer due to overgrowth.

All my reviews are dog-oriented because I hike with my two German Shepherds. We did the 0.6 mi. Lake Blue Ridge Loop Trail which begins from the parking area of the Day-Use Recreation Area. The lake front is easily accessed here & my dogs loved swimming in the lake. We also hiked the lakefront for about 0.5 mi. before coming to an impassable treefall. The lakefront slopes 20-45 degrees & is heavily rock-strewn. It's fairly easily done at a careful pace, maneuvering under a couple of downed trees obstructing the bank. The loop trail is a narrow dirt path through the woods, with a view of the lake through the trees along most of its length. It appears well-maintained; all treefalls crossing the trail have been cut. This is a great easy trail for dogs or kids. Bring your camera as there are multiple vistas of the sparlkling lake with stands of forest or, a profile of mountains as backdrop. You reach the recreation area via Hwy 76 slightly east of Blue Ridge to Dry Branch Road. You'll pass a picnic area, down a slope near the lake, as you enter the parking area. A stairway leads to the picnic area/lakefront; the easy loop trail begins at a wooden walkway at the far end of the parking area.